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Eredivisie: Groningen's Virgil van Dijk banned for one match

FC Groningen defender Virgil van Dijk has been given a one-match ban following his red card on Saturday.

Last Updated: 22/04/13 4:38pm

Virgil van Dijk: Banned for one match

The Eredivisie club accepted the suspension even though they believed it to be too severe for the offence.

Groningen managing director Hans Nijland said in a statement on the club's website: "We believe the punishment (of a red card) was too heavy and now with a suspension as well. But given the level of the suspension, we have decided to accept the proposal.

"Van Dijk will now miss (Saturday's game) against PSV Eindhoven, but will be available again against VVV-Venlo.

"If we did not accept the punishment there is the risk that the Disciplinary Committee would give us a heavier penalty.

"On that basis, we have come to this decision."

Midfielder Rasmus Lindgren was also suspended for a game due to his seventh yellow card of the season.